Learn if symptoms like irregular periods, acne, difficulty getting pregnant, or excess body hair (hirsutism) might be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
This test checks for hormonal imbalances — like high testosterone levels. If they're high, and you have either irregular periods or an ultrasound scan confirming polycystic ovaries, PCOS can be diagnosed.
PCOS can increase your risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, and thyroid disorders. A PCOS blood test allows you to check this risk.
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A main feature of PCOS can be high testosterone levels. This can lead to symptoms like irregular or absent periods, excessive hair growth on your body, weight gain, acne, and difficulty getting pregnant.
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Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) helps your ovaries to function normally and plays a key role in egg production and ovulation. If you have PCOS, you might have a raised LH:FSH ratio.
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LH plays a key role in reproduction — it helps to regulate your menstrual cycle and peaks just before ovulation, triggering an egg release from the ovary. In PCOS, you might have a raised LH:FSH ratio.
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Thyroid disorders can cause hormonal imbalances — leading to symptoms like weight gain, low mood, anxiety, depression, and difficulty sleeping. A thyroid disorder can also cause issues with your menstrual cycle and fertility.
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Vitamin D deficiency is common in people with PCOS. Optimal vitamin D levels are linked to improved insulin sensitivity and an improvement in PCOS symptoms. Low vitamin D levels have also been linked to worse PMS symptoms and more painful periods.
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Between 50-70% of people with PCOS have insulin resistance — leading to raised blood sugar levels. A HbA1c test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. This can help you monitor your risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
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A cholesterol profile test will look at the different types of fats (lipids) in your blood. This is useful to monitor if you have PCOS as this condition is linked to out of range lipid results (dyslipidaemia). Dyslipidaemia is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
The best time to do this test is on day 3 of your cycle (day 1 is your first day of bleeding) — this is when your results can be accurately interpreted.
If you have irregular periods
— we recommend waiting until you have a period to get the most useful insights from this test.
Checking your hormonal health is quick and easy. Do it from the comfort of home and follow three simple steps:
Your test kit arrives in 1-2 days with instructions on how to take your sample. Then free post it back to the lab.
You'll get a GP-reviewed report and personalised recommendations to improve or maintain your results.
From lifestyle tips to dietary advice or premium supplements, follow your personalised advice to support your hormonal health.
“Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects around 1 in 10 women in the UK. Symptoms differ from woman to woman, so checking your hormone levels is essential."
— Dr Macarena Staudenmaier, MD, MSc
Clinical Innovation Lead at Thriva
We work closely with our team of experienced doctors to make sure everything we do is safe and based on the latest research.
Your data is in safe hands. We use the latest encryption technologies and continually assess our GDPR compliance.
Our blood testing kits are CE-marked, and we work with UKAS-accredited labs that are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
If you don't have periods
You can do this test any time, but it might be harder for our doctors to interpret your follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) results.
If you have irregular periods
We recommend waiting until you have a period to get the most valuable insights from this test. Test on day 3 of your next cycle.
If you take hormonal contraception
Some studies show that the contraceptive pill and implant can reduce your AMH results by up to 30%. But your AMH levels return to normal once you stop taking hormonal contraception.
If you've just stopped hormonal contraception
Wait 3 months before doing this test — this allows time for your natural cycle to return. If you were using the contraceptive injection, we recommended waiting a year.
If you use an oestrogen or testosterone cream/gel
If you use a topical oestrogen-containing or testosterone-containing cream or gel, always use a glove when applying it. Contact with your fingers could affect your finger-prick testosterone result.
If you're breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can affect your hormone levels — which can make it difficult to accurately interpret your results. We recommend waiting until you've stopped breastfeeding before doing this test.
If you're pregnant
Don’t do this test if you're pregnant, as we won't be able to interpret your results.
GDPR
Your data is in safe hands. We use the latest encryption technologies and continually assess our GDPR compliance.
Are your labs registered with the CQC?
Our labs are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Our testing kits our CE-marked. Learn more about labs and accuracy.
What's included in your home testing kit?
Your Thriva test kit includes:
- collection tube(s)
- plaster x 2
- return form x 1
- alcohol swab x 1
- lancet x 3
- prepaid envelope x 1
- cleansing wipe x 1
- collection tube label(s)
- protective plastic case x 1
How to collect your sample at home
Learn how to collect your finger-prick blood sample at home by following our instructions. You can access these on the app too. It takes around 30 minutes to complete the process at home.
Will a GP write your report?
Our doctors review your blood test results and upload a detailed report to your account dashboard. They also give you advice to help support your health or manage an existing condition.
How long does it take to get your results?
Our doctors aim to upload your results report to your account dashboard within 48 hours from the lab receiving your sample. Tests containing Omega-3 & 6 have a 10-day turnaround time after posting your sample.
How do you know your results are ready?
We’ll email or text you to let you know your blood samples have been received, processed, and are ready to view on your results dashboard.